SOS ...---... Anchor plate upgrade issue

I am upgrading my front x-bar to the new anchor plates. I currently have the inner and outer new plates snug to the hull lip.

The outer plates lay nicely against the hull. However, both inner plates are about 1/8" away from hull near the outer holes. The inner 2 holes are slightly closer but not against the hull. I am concerned that when I install the screws I may stress the fiberglass as it attempts to draw the plate into the hull.

I am considering loosening the allen bolt slightly then installing the screws but not sure that will work because even with the allen bolt loose and against the lip I cannot make the plate lay against the hull. Its almost like the slot in the plate where the bolt goes thru under the lip is not long enough to allow the plate to get close enough to the hull.

Has anyone seen this?

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1984 Hobie 18

Take the anchor plate back off .... place in a vise (on a workbench) ..... now "gently" bend the anchor plate to either flatten or increase the bend as required .... I find that a good large adjustable wench ( a Knucklebuster) is a good tool for the job ....

From the discription ... clamp the anchor plate in the middle .... using the adjustable .... place the adjustable on one end (adjusted so that it just fits over the SS anchor plate) .... now apply some gentle pressure ..... do not try to get it correct all in one-shot ... you may have to work several times on either end .....

Take your time ... try fitting it several times ..... take a sip of your favorite beverage ..... repeat ....

When it is fitted correctly you may wish to "bed" it in silicone or T5200 .....

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HarryMurphey
H-18 mag/ #9458
Fleet 54 Div 11

Will do. I just was expecting a more secure fit and those allen bolts are a PITA to get in and out.

I appreciate all your help today. The more beverage the better the fit.....

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1984 Hobie 18

Done. Minimal bending of the inner plates. Just got a little worried since the outer plates fit so well.

Thanks Harry - glad you were on call this weekend!!

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1984 Hobie 18

Did you use "Anti-Seize" compound on the threads to those allenhead bolts????

It's a VERY good idea to do so .... if one of those bolts seizes or breaks-off you will REALLY wished you had .....

I've been there ... done that ... have the T-Shirt ....

PS: Check those bolts after the first couple sails for tightness .... you may find that you will need to "snug" them up ....

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HarryMurphey
H-18 mag/ #9458
Fleet 54 Div 11

Ok I'll take 'em out one more time and do that.

Thanks for the heads up.

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1984 Hobie 18

To make the stainless steel allen ( hex head ) bolt installation a whole lot simpler...I have found that using a 3/8 drive socket based allen key, on a 12 inch long 3/8 socket extension, driven by my cordless drill makes the job a lot less tedious. You have to be extremely careful when starting the bolt BY HAND to make sure it doesn't crossthread..which it will do in a heartbeat, but once you have it started and lubed well with never sieze, you can take away all the silly wrench flipping associated with a common allen wrench....even if it's well lubricated..drive it slow and steady ( stainless steel threads gall really easily) finish up the tightening with a 3/8 drive ratchet with a short handle so you don't over torque it.